ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya interacts with Indian Maritime Sector representatives;
Discusses Business Continuity Plan and Path to Recovery Post COVID-19
Union Minister of State for Shipping  Shri Mansukh Mandaviya interacted with the representative of Maritime industry of India through video conferencing today.
The objective of the interaction was to discuss and prepare for meeting the post –COVID019 challenges with Business continuity strategies .
Industry leaders appreciated the proactive and timely interventions of the Ministry of Shipping in this critical time and ensuring smooth running of the ports. They also lauded many reliefs and extensions granted to the industry which inter-alia included not charging any port charges, demurrages, penalties for the lockdown period as it has proven to be great relief for the industries at large.
Interaction with industry leaders provided the quick overview for the covid-19 situation in the maritime sector. Stakeholders highlighted the challenges like supply chain issues- the movement of cargo and trucks, requested the policy interventions. They also made suggestions for increasing the Coastal Shipping and increasing the India's share in global shipbuilding..
Shri Mansukh Mandaviya assured the Maritime sector industry stakeholders that the Indian Ports are ready in the full capacity to start the operation as usual but there are a few challenges due to COVID-19 which will be solved with policy decisions and their sincere implementation. Shri Mandaviya requested industry leaders to convert this COVID-19 into opportunity by charting out new strategies in the maritime sector. He told the stakeholders that the Ministry of Shipping is working continuously and tirelessly to ease out the problems. He requested for the suggestions so that the ports and industries in this COVID-19 situation could flourish.
Stakeholders and representatives of the Shipping Lines, Ports and Terminal operators, Inland waterways, Supply chain logistics, Ship owners, Vessel manufacturers and owners, custom agents participated in the video conference organised by the FICCI.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on the occasion of Bohag Bihu
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted everyone on the occasion of Bohag Bihu. He said that this special festival showcases the vibrant Assamese culture. Shri Modi also wished that May this Bihu bring with it happiness and good health in everyone’s lives.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
"Happy Bohag Bihu!
This special festival showcases the vibrant Assamese culture.
May this Bihu bring with it happiness and good health in everyone’s lives.
(
Ministry of Education
Central Universities to work on mission-mode to fill-up the 6,000 vacant posts by October, 2021- Shri Dharmendra Pradhan
Universities should promote learning in Indian languages & popularise the cultural heritage of India – Shri Dharmendra Pradhan
New Education Policy- 2020 will play a crucial role in placing India at the top of the emerging new world order – Union Education Minister
Higher education institutions are key catalysts for promoting socio-economic development -Union Education Minister
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan holds a meeting with Vice Chancellors of Central Universities
Union Education and Skill Development Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan today held a meeting with Vice Chancellors of Central Universities through video conferencing. Minister of State for Education Shri Subhash Sarkar, Secretary, Higher Education, ShriAmitKhare, Chairman UGC, Prof D P Singh and senior officials of the Ministry and UGC attended the meeting.
Addressing the participants, Shri Pradhan said that our universities are cradles of creativity, innovation and opportunities. The New Education Policy- 2020 will play a crucial role in placing India at the top of the emerging new world order and, as custodians of India’s destiny, our universities should fulfil their responsibilities outlined in the NEP.He stressed on making education a lot more vibrant & holistic and establishing India as a knowledge superpower through NEP.
The Minister said that our higher education institutions are key catalysts for promoting socio-economic development and for realising aspirations and national goals. The Minister appealed that universities should popularise and promote learning in Indian languages & cultural heritage of India.
Shri Pradhan encouraged Central Universities to work on mission-mode to fill-up the 6,000 vacant posts by October, 2021. He urged them to create a framework for alumni endowment.
Shri Pradhan expressed his happiness to learn about the best practices of Central Universities and on several matters of importance, including filling up of general and reserved vacancies, education during Covid19, online learning and status of NEP implementation.
The Minister exhorted the Universities to come with the strategies for making India fully literate, as well as to contribute helping the country to meet its Nutrition Challenge during ‘Poshan Month’ as a mark of AzadiKaAmrutMahotsav.
The VCs were also requested to encourage Sports in their Universities, thereby promoting a sporting culture in the country. The VCs were encouraged to make their students Job Creators by promoting innovation and research in their campuses.
The Minister thanked the VCs for their insights and valuable suggestions. He urged that as thought leaders, our central universities should assume pioneering roles in building capacities, initiating frameworks for implementation of Academic Bank of Credit, Multiple Entry & Exit, virtual universities and several other facets of the NEP from this academic year itself.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister’s visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi joined other leaders at G-7 Summit in Hiroshima to visit the Peace Memorial Museum. Prime Minister signed the visitor’s book in the Museum. The leaders also paid floral tributes at the Cenotaph for the victims of the Atomic Bomb.
Prime Minister's Office
PM interacts with Ujjwala beneficiaries across the country
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today interacted with Ujjwala beneficiaries across the country, through video conference.
Three Ujjwala beneficiaries were present at each of over 600 centres across the length and breadth of the country, for this interaction.
An estimated 10 lakh people viewed the interaction through various platforms, which included the Narendra Modi App and various television news channels and social media platforms, among others.
Expressing happiness at being able to interact with the beneficiaries, and share their experiences, through technology, the Prime Minister said that the Ujjwala scheme has become a symbol of progress. He added that it is driving remarkable social transformation, which is in turn, influencing the holistic development of the country.
Approximately 4 crore women in rural areas have received LPG connections so far, through the UjjwalaYojana. In all, nearly 10 crore new LPG connections have been issued in the four years since 2014, as compared to 13 crore in the nearly six decade period from 1955 to 2014.
In his initial remarks, the Prime Minister quoted a story written by Munshi Premchand in 1933, to highlight the importance of easing the lives of home-makers. He said Ujjwala has brought about benefits through better health outcomes, freedom from poisonous smoke andcleaner fuel. He said women now have a greater opportunity to earn extra income, as time spent on cooking has been reduced.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Union Government has been paying attention to ensure that there are no middlemen involved in this scheme, and the beneficiaries are chosen through a transparent process.
He said that 69 percent villages in India now have 100 percent LPG penetration, while 81 percent villages have more than 75 percent LPG penetration.
Interacting with the Prime Minister, beneficiaries explained how the LPG connection had reduced time spent on cooking, and enhanced the quality of life for the entire family.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Startups in Agriculture Sector
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare  has launched a new component called “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana  in 2018-19 with objective to promote innovation and agripreneurship by providing financial support and nurturing the incubation ecosystem. Start-ups are being encouraged in order to contribute directly and indirectly to enhancing the income of farmers by providing opportunities to them and to provide employment to youth.
In this connection, five Knowledge Partners  and twenty four Agribusiness Incubators  have been appointed by DAC &FW to advise on smooth and efficient execution of this programme in various States. List of these KPs and R-ABIs is enclosed .
Under this programme, for idea/pre-seed stage, a selected startup shall be eligible for a maximum financial assistance of Rs. five lakh. For seed stage, a selected startup shall be eligible for a maximum financial assistance of Rs. Twenty five lakh.
346 startups in the agriculture and allied sectors are selected for funding for a sum of Rs. 36.72 crore in installments and Rs.16.01 crore has been released as 1st installment. These start-ups were trained for two months at various agribusiness incubation centres  spread across the country.
This information was given in a written reply by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in Rajya Sabha on 20.09.2020.
Ministry of Defence
Shri Hari Mohan takes over as Chairman, Ordnance Factory Board
Shri Hari Mohan has taken over the charge as Chairman, Ordnance Factory Board  w.e.f. December 01, 2019 from Shri Saurabh Kumar who superannuated from the services. A 1982-batch Indian Ordnance Factories’ Service  officer with Post Graduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Shri Hari Mohan had been a topper of University of Allahabad & University of Pune while obtaining his Bachelor & Masters in Mechanical Engineering. He holds an M. Phil in Public Administration.
In a career spanning 39 years, Shri Hari Mohan has contributed significantly in various positions in Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited  Hardwar, Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, Engine Factory Avadi, Heavy Vehicle Factory Avadi, Ammunition Factory Khadki, Ordnance Factory Bolangir, Ordnance Factory Chanda, Ordnance Factory Dehu Road, OFB New Delhi Office and Ministry of Steel & Mines.
The I.O.F.S. officer has a versatile experience in the field of manufacture of Armoured Vehicles, Artillery, Tank and Ammunition, Small Arms Ammunition, Projects Management and Corporate Governance, among other areas. He has made significant contributions in improving the production of Armoured Fighting Vehicles like Ajeya Tanks, MBT Arjun, Bridge Layer and Trawls Tanks. He has also made significant contribution to the modernisation of steel plants of the Steel Authority of India limited  during his tenure in Ministry of Steel & Mines.
Shri Hari Mohan has held various senior positions as General Manager, Dehu Road . He was also awarded the ‘Ayudh Ratna’ award in 2018 for his services at the HVF. Before taking over as DGOF and Chairman, he was holding charge as Member of the OFB and was in charge of the Weapons, Vehicles and Equipment  division of the OFB.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Two days Chintan Shivir of Department of Food and Public Distribution begins in Faridabad
Improving Public Distribution System to be the focus of deliberations
The two days Chintan Shivir organized by the Department of Food & Public Distribution  started today at Faridabad, Haryana. The Chintan Shivir was inaugurated by Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution. The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Textiles and Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal will participate in the Shivir on the concluding day.
The Department has identified four broad themes for discussion during the two day programme. The themes are a) How can the PDS enable diversification  to facilitate nutrition security and climate adaptation? b) How can the PDS become more customer centric? c) How to create a flexible, agile, transparent and robust supply chain to enable diversification, customer centricity and other initiatives? and lastly d) Vision@ 2047.
Chintan Shivir aims at deep reflection on administrative issues to keep the soul and mind of Government fresh and to remain connected to the aspirations of people. It is both a management exercise as well as meeting of minds to evolve a meaningful and interactive platform for setting goals, sharing experiences and focusing on vital areas of governance.
The goals identified for the Chintan Shivir are to encourage creative and innovative thinking, Breakdown of the hierarchy, promote fraternity/camaraderie, Harness Technology, Think out of box solutions, Bring more transparency & objectivity into governance, Energize and professionalize the civil service, Share best practices – learning from others, Upgrade knowledge & Develop leadership, etc.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
197.61 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,04,555
Active cases stand at 0.24%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.55%
13,827 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,28,22,493
18,819 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
86.23 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 4,52,430 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
NITI Aayog
Women Transforming India Awards: Submission deadline extended to 31st July
NITI Aayog, in partnership with United Nations and DICE Districts invites nominations for the Third Edition of the Women Transforming India Awards . The deadline for the submission of nominations have been extended to 31st July, 2018.
The WTI Awards 2018 was announced on the occasion of the International Womens' Day in March this year. An annual event, the Awards seek to recognise and applaud the work done by exemplary women towards nation-building.
This year, the WTI Awards focus on 'Women and Entrepreneurship', a concept concomitant with the launch of NITI Aayog's Women Entrepreneurship Platform . The winners will receive support and mentoring offered under the aegis of WEP, an online platform managed by NITI Aayog to enable women realize their entrepreneurial aspirations.
The Women Transforming India Awards 2018 invites stories of exceptional women entrepreneurs who are breaking the glass-ceiling and challenging stereotypes through businesses, enterprises and initiatives that:
· Provide innovative solutions to address key developmental challenges and/or
· Impact communities within a sector
The Awards will recognize exceptional women who are flag-bearers of the next wave of innovation and connect them with potential business opportunities to help them grow; to empower them and to empower a New India. Women entrepreneurs from across the country, engaged in any economic activity across all walks of life, are encouraged to apply.
Nominations can be filed on behalf of individuals or by individual themselves through:
· The Women Entrepreneurship Platform Website  or
· By giving a missed call on the number +91-704264887
the nominations are limited to Indian Citizens only.
Ministry of Communications
Each village to be connected with optical fibre cable  connectivity in next 1000 days: PM Shri Narendra Modi
Lakshadweep also to be connected with undersea optical fibre cable in 1,000 days
“In the coming 1000 days, every village in the country will be connected with optical fibre cable,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his address on the occasion of 74th Independence Day earlier today. Shri Modi mentioned that before 2014, only 5 dozen panchayats in the country were connected with optical fiber cable. In the last five years, nearly 1.5 lakh gram panchayats in the country have been connected with optical fiber cable. He further added that Participation of rural India and villages in Digital India is very important for balanced development of India. To enable this we will rapidly expand our optical fibre network. This will reach all the 6 lakh villages within 1,000 days.
Expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this important announcement, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, the Minister for Electronics & IT and Communications tweeted, “Today you have entrusted Department of Telecommunications with the responsibility to connect all the villages of India by optical fibre Internet in 1000 days. It's a game changer for Digital India. With your inspiration we will do it.”
During the 74th Independence Day speech PM also announced that in the next 1000 days, Lakshadweep will be connected with submarine optical fiber cable. "We have around 1,300 islands. Keeping in mind their geographical location and their significance in the development of the nation, work to begin new projects in some of these islands is underway. We have chosen some islands for rapid development. Recently, we connected Andaman and Nicobar Islands with an undersea cable for a better internet. Next, we will connect Lakshadweep," he said while delivering his Independence Day speech from the iconic Red Fort. Earlier this week PM Modi inaugurated the first-ever undersea optic fiber link between Chennai and Andaman and Nicobar to ensure high-speed broadband connectivity for the Union Territory  at par with services in the cities like Delhi and Chennai.
While commenting on announcement for high speed Internet services in Lakshadweep Islands, Shri Prasad said in a tweet that today Prime Minister set a target of 1000 days to provide submarine optical fibre connectivity to these islands. Like linking Andaman & Nicobar islands Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications will fast track this as well.
OFC connectivity to the villages and submarine OFC to the Lakshadeep islands will help the people in rural areas/villages and those in Lakshadweep islands in getting cheaper & better connectivity and all the benefits of Digital India, especially in improving online education, tele-medicine, banking system, online trading, boosting tourism and skill development etc.
RCJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 3919
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Fertilizers Units
Government of India has mandated revival of Ramagundam , Gorakhpur , Sindri  and Talcher  units of Fertilizer Corporation of India  and Barauni  Unit of Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Ltd  through Joint Venture Company  of nominated PSUs for setting up new ammonia-urea plants of 12.7 LMTPA capacity each. After operationalization, these plants would add 63.5 LMT of urea production annually in the country. Barauni Unit of Hindustan Fertilizer Corporation Ltd  is located in Bihar.
Further, Cabinet in its meeting held on 21.05.2015 inter-alia approved setting up of New urea plant of 8.646 LMTPA capacity in the existing premises of BVFCL, which has been notified by Department of Fertilizers vide OM dated 12.06.2015.
It can be seen from the below data, that the production of fertilizers has increased.
|
|
Year
|
|
Major fertilizer Production 
|
|
2018-19
|
|
413.85
|
|
2019-20
|
|
425.92
|
|
2020-21
|
|
433.66
The information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Bhagwanth Khuba in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
PIB Headquarters
Nominations for level 1 competition for Deen Dayal Sparsh Yojana’ scheme has been extended up to 29th December 2017
The last date for acceptance of nominations for level 1 competition, in connection with the DEEN DAYAL SPARSH YOJANA’ the Philately scholarship scheme has been extended up to 29th December 2017.
GK ERL: 315
(Visitor Counter : 10
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Over 90 Percent Refund Claims Disposed by CBIC
The Union Minster of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman said that during the second refund fortnight, Rs. 6,087 crore IGST refunds and Rs. 1, 548 crore ITC refunds were sanctioned by CBIC. Presenting the Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today, she said that in case of IGST refunds for goods exported out of India, the percentage of amount of refund claims disposed by CBIC is already more than 90%.
The Finance Minister further said that merchant exporters have to pay nominal GST of 0.1 percent for procuring goods from domestic suppliers for export. This was done in order to provide a big thrust to the growth of the export sector and resolve their working capital issues. The permanent solution to cash blockage is e-Wallet scheme which is proposed to be launched with effect from 01.04.2020.
Nirmala Sitharamanstated that e-way Bill system for inter-State movement of goods has been implemented from 01.04.2018. This system, for intra-State movement, has also been brought into force in a staggered manner by 16.06.2018. Till 31.05.2019 around 66.45 crore e-waybills have been generated including 37.11 crore e-way bills for intra-State movement.
Special Service and Features
“Dak Adalat”
“Dak Adalat” will be conducted by the Senior Superintendent of Post offices, Chennai City North Division at the office premises at No.5, , IV Floor, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai – 600 008 at 1100 hours on 25.02.2022 .
The member of the public are requested to send their unsettled grievances / pending complaints relating to postal services in respect of post offices under the administrative jurisdiction of Chennai City North Division on or before 18.02.2022.
This is stated in a press release issued by N.Prakash, Senior Superintendent of POs, Chennai City North Division, Chennai – 600 008.
###
(
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Shri Nitin Gadkari Assures All Possible Support to Representatives of Footwear Industry
Union Minister for MSME and RT&H, Shri Nitin Gadkari has assured the Footwear Industry all possible support from the government to tide over the challenges created by the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. He was interacting with the representatives of Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries via video conferencing from Nagpur. Shri Gadkari said government has only yesterday released over Rs. 5204 crore to MSMEs as refund from Income Tax Department in last 10 days which will help the sector in a big way.
The Minister called upon the industry to work upon import substitution and make use of the opportunity for export.
During the meeting, the representatives of footwear industry expressed concerns regarding lack of working capital, logistics, availability of raw material, workspace conditions, continuity of business operations and impact on demand of footwear amid COVID-19 pandemic and requested the government to take supportive measures to keep the sector afloat.
Further it was also highlighted that even after the lockdown, production will start gradually and will take few months to reach to full capacity which would lead to issues of excess of raw material. It was requested that foot wear raw material import from China to be stopped so that raw material stock is not flooded.
Shri Gadkari mentioned that first and foremost, while the Government has allowed certain industry sectors to start functioning, however it also needs to be ensured by Industries that necessary preventive measures are taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. He emphasized on usage of PPE  and advised to ensure social distancing while resuming business operations.
Shri Gadkari assured that he would take up relevant issues with the Finance Ministry and Commerce Ministry to provide immediate relief to the sector. Shri Gadkari also said that the footwear industry should take a positive approach while resuming the business operations post lockdown and work together to tap the opportunities that will be created once the COVID-19 crisis gets over.